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Does thighplasty for upper thigh laxity after massive weight loss require a vertical incision?
Michele A Shermak1, Jessie Mallalieu, David Chang
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. masherma@jhmi.edu
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|December 1, 2009
Summary
The anterior proximal extended (APEX) thighlift effectively addresses upper thigh skin laxity after massive weight loss (MWL), offering improved aesthetics with a hidden scar. This technique enhances adjacent body regions, providing patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Body Contouring
- Massive Weight Loss (MWL) Surgery
Background:
- Patients undergoing massive weight loss (MWL) often experience significant skin excess and laxity, particularly in the thigh region.
- Addressing thigh laxity is complex due to variable skin quality, fat distribution, and surgical risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the anterior proximal extended (APEX) thighlift technique for treating upper thigh skin excess in MWL patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the APEX thighlift in improving aesthetics and managing complications.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 97 MWL patients who underwent thighlift surgery (March 1998 - October 2007).
- Analysis included patient demographics, weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and surgical details.
- Outcomes assessed included wound healing and lymphedema, with risk factors like age, BMI, and hypothyroidism analyzed.
Main Results:
- Thighlift complications included wound healing problems (18.6%), lymphedema (8.3%), and cellulitis (7.2%).
- Higher BMI (≥35) and older age were associated with impaired wound healing.
- Hypothyroidism showed a strong association with lymphedema (OR=23).
Conclusions:
- Thighlift surgery, including the APEX technique, offers significant aesthetic improvement for skin excess and laxity post-MWL.
- The APEX thighlift provides an effective solution for upper thigh laxity with a concealed scar, enhancing patient satisfaction.